Bird migration and storms shape what birds face on the wing

Naturalist Bill Volkert told a public audience about long-distance bird migration and said that storms, wildfires and hurricanes can reduce local bird numbers.

Naturalist Bill Volkert spoke to more than 100 people at the Waupaca Area Public Library about why birds migrate and what they face while flying. He spent 27 years as a naturalist at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center and has observed many species around the world. Volkert described migration as a widespread seasonal movement that can span thousands of miles. He also noted that modern tracking over roughly the last 50 years has given scientists new ability to follow individual birds. What we know: - Bill Volkert presented to a Winchester Academy audience and draws on decades of field experience and travel. - Long-distance migration was first clearly evidenced in 1882 when a white stork was found with an African-made arrow, which spurred scientific study. - Tracking technology and research in the past 50 years have made it possible to follow individual birds across long distances. - A late-winter storm in mid-March dropped more than two feet of snow across much of Wisconsin; Volkert said short-term storms usually do not affect most birds but can harm individuals that are already in poor condition. - Severe events such as ice storms, large wildfires and hurricanes can reduce local bird numbers; Volkert recalled an ice storm in eastern Texas about five years ago that significantly affected bluebirds and Eastern phoebes. - A Madison study cited by Volkert found that 75 to 80% of birds' diets came from wild sources, and feeders often supplement human enjoyment rather than fully replace natural food supplies, though feeders can matter during severe winter icing. Summary: Volkert emphasized that weather extremes and habitat pressures can lead to local declines in bird populations, while advances in tracking have improved understanding of migration. Undetermined at this time.